What is GoWarm?
GoWarm is a new organisation in the North East, partly funded by the Government, to help tackle fuel poverty and improve energy efficiency across the Region. It brings together different organisations like your local Council, Scottish Power and National Grid and others with the aim of cutting your fuel bills and making your home warmer.

Won't this be expensive? Will I have to pay?
GoWarm has secured millions of pounds in funding to pay for tens of thousands of homes to have free cavity wall and loft insulation. Some homes will not qualify but can benefit from the best discount scheme in the country - £99 for a house cavity wall to be filled or a loft to be fully insulated for a standard sized house.

How do I know if I qualify for help?
We'll be sending an assessor around to ask you some questions which will help us work out if you qualify. Although some of the information we ask for is personal, it's important you give us the answers so we can work out if you're entitled to any grants. We promise that we won't pass on this information without your permission.

What if I don't qualify for any help?
Even if you don't qualify for any grants, we'll still be able to give you some tips on making your home more energy efficient. Everyone who helps us complete the survey and signs it will get four energy efficient light bulbs worth more than £30. And, as we say above, we plan to offer all households the chance to get big discounts on home insulation measures.

What sort of things could I get help with?
If you qualify, you could get help with things like cavity wall, loft insulation, draught-proofing, hot water tank insulation and perhaps even improved central heating, too.

If I fill in the assessment form, what happens next?
If you qualify for work to be done, a surveyor will visit you to see exactly what needs to be done. We'll then get in touch with you to arrange when installation can be done. It's as simple as that!

How long will all this take?
It will really depend on what work needs to be done. But we'd hope that any work could be carried out a few weeks after the surveyor's report has been done.

I live in a council house. Will I still qualify?
Yes. Your Council and housing provider is a major partner in this scheme and we'll be working closely with them to ensure you get what you are entitled to.

I live in rented accommodation - will my landlord let us get the work done if we qualify?
We will be working closely with landlords, and will concentrate on meeting the needs of anyone who qualifies for grants to make their homes warmer and cut their fuel bills.

Can I get a grant to help me pay my fuel bill?
No, but if you would like our team to help you find out if there are any benefits you may be entitled to, we'll be pleased to help. We want you to get what you're entitled to!

How will I know who you are when we call?
Our staff will all have had police checks and will wear a distinctive uniform with the project's sunny GoWarm logo on them They will all carry identity cards. Please ask to see this identity card before allowing anyone into your home.

If you're in any doubt, call this number: 0191 536 4185